RADIO
JuJu Smith-Schuster Works Out for the Jets on Tuesday
The New York Jets hosted veteran free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) for a workout on Tuesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 29-year-old is looking for another chance in the NFL after the Giants released him while he was recovering from a knee injury during training camp. He hasn't achieved fantasy relevance since 2022 with the Chiefs, but the Jets are interested in bringing him aboard. After all, they have an opening at the wide receiver position with Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) diagnosed as week-to-week. The Jets worked out a few receivers, so it's not a lock that Smith-Schuster even gets offered a contract. However, at the very least, there's mutual interest from both sides. Any signing would keep Smith-Schuster off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Ameer Abdullah Looking for Role in Crowded Backfield
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Ameer Abdullah carried the ball four times for 32 yards and had one reception for zero yards in a 34-10 Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. Abdullah played just five offensive snaps, but he made the most of his opportunities with five touches in total. Abdullah played far behind Bhayshul Tuten (28 snaps) and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (23 snaps). Tuten led the Jaguars with 15 rushes for 66 yards, but Abdullah actually out-rushed Rodriguez on fewer attempts. Rodriguez finished the game with six carries for 23 yards. The Jaguars dominated the game from the start, and Abdullah benefited from the blowout with an efficient performance. Abdullah is currently rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues and will continue to play behind Tuten and Rodriguez. For now, he is safe to leave on the waiver wire.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Gerrit Cole's Production is Fading in September
Since returning from Tommy John surgery in late May, New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole has recorded an 8-9 record with a 3.67 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts across 115 1/3 innings (20 starts). While the 36-year-old's numbers this year are strong, he's run into a bit of a rough patch lately. Across 16 2/3 innings (three starts) in September, Cole has allowed seven home runs and 12 earned runs while striking out just 12. Cole's HR/9 in 2026 is now up to 1.56, his worst mark since the shortened 2020 season. The veteran right-hander has struck out 24.6% of the batters he's faced while posting an elite 4.6% walk rate, so he remains an excellent source of WHIP and a solid source of strikeouts. However, it's possible that Cole may be fading a bit down the stretch in his first season back from elbow surgery.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andres Munoz's Home Run Issues Continue to Inflate His ERA
Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz has had a down year in 2026, recording a 4.25 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP with 86 strikeouts across 55 innings (58 games). Munoz's underlying numbers remain very strong, as he's averaged 99.7 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted an elite 37.4% strikeout rate. However, the 27-year-old's HR/9 has skyrocketed to 1.31, and he's blown a career-worst 10 saves. Between his issues with command (10% walk rate) and his penchant for giving up the long ball, Munoz has been prone to blow-up outings in 2026. His most recent appearance on Sunday was one such outing, as he allowed two earned runs across 2/3 of an inning to take the loss against the Athletics. Munoz remains a must-start closer for fantasy managers, but he never quite discovered his peak form this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Palmer Makes the Most Of Limited Targets in Week 1
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer recorded a 34-yard touchdown reception that proved to be the game-winner for the Bills in a 36-31 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 1. However, while Palmer was able to make the most of his opportunities, he played a low-volume role. Palmer was targeted just twice in the season opener, and both came in the late fourth quarter. He played just 18 offensive snaps. In a game where Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw for 334 yards, Palmer's usage was discouraging. Palmer is currently rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues, and while the secondary of the Detroit Lions was torn up in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints, there is not much reason to add Palmer to your fantasy team right now ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Lions.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Ben Sinnott One to Watch on the Waiver Wire
Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott did not record a single statistic in Week 1. The Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by a final score of 24-22, but Sinnott was a non-factor in the passing game. According to Pro Football Focus, Sinnott played 18 offensive snaps and 16 snaps on special teams. He played well behind Chig Okonkwo (hamstring), who had 39 offensive snaps, and John Bates, who had 34 offensive snaps. Okonkwo and Bates recorded two receptions each. Sinnott has amassed just 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns throughout his NFL career thus far, but he could have a slightly bigger role going into Week 2 action against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys if Okonkwo's hamstring injury keeps him out.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Miguel Vargas Showing Off Increased Speed in September
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Miguel Vargas has been one of the breakout success stories of the 2026 season, hitting .249/.358/.475 with 31 home runs, 84 RBI, 98 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases across 658 plate appearances. The 26-year-old's underlying metrics largely support his power emergence, as he's posted a 13.4% barrel rate and a 44.2% hard-hit rate. Vargas also offers an elite approach at the plate, logging a 13.7% walk rate while striking out in just 17.9% of his plate appearances. Vargas has also significantly boosted his aggression on the basepaths in recent games, going six-for-six as a base stealer in September. Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, Vargas profiles as an elite option at either third or first base for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Noah Fant Building Momentum Heading into Week 2
New Orleans Saints tight end Noah Fant was targeted eight times in Week 1 and caught four passes for 33 yards and a touchdown. The Saints fell to the Detroit Lions 31-30 in overtime, but quarterback Tyler Shough put up 410 passing yards and showed he will spread the ball around. Fellow tight end Juwan Johnson recorded three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, proving further that Shough has no issue targeting tight ends. The Saints have a Week 2 game against the Baltimore Ravens, and while it is likely going to be a tougher matchup for Fant, he could be worth a roster spot for fantasy teams in need of better tight end play. Fant is available in every league, as he is currently rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Victor Mesa Jr. Emerging as a Priority Waiver Wire Target
Across 223 plate appearances in 2026, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. is hitting .257/.326/.510 with 13 home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 25-year-old has been scorching hot in September, hitting .450 with three home runs and three stolen bases across 44 trips to the plate. The lefty-swinging Mesa Jr. has seen most of his playing time this year against right-handed pitching, but he's begun to see everyday playing time in the midst of his current hot streak. Mesa Jr.'s underlying metrics suggest that some slight regression might be coming, but he's still posted an 11.4% barrel rate while keeping his strikeout rate below 20%. With his ability to produce across all five categories, Mesa Jr. profiles as a priority waiver wire target going into the final stretch of the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelen Culpepper Exits Early on Tuesday with Apparent Leg Injury
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper (leg) was removed in the sixth inning of his team's game against the New York Yankees on Tuesday after grabbing at his leg while running out a ground ball, per Twins beat writer Aaron Gleeman. Culpepper was hitless in three plate appearances before exiting the game. Culpepper returned to the lineup on Tuesday after missing two games with a shoulder injury, but it appears he could now be facing additional missed time. Across 120 plate appearances since making his MLB debut in early August, the 23-year-old is hitting .275/.333/.404 with three home runs, 11 RBI, 15 runs scored, and one stolen base. Twins utility man Ryan Kreidler replaced Culpepper at shortstop on Tuesday.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Offer Much Streaming Appeal in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a tough matchup with the New England Patriots in Week 2. Rodgers had a somewhat pedestrian performance in the Steelers' 20-13 season-opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He completed 24 out of 40 pass attempts (60%) for 221 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception. Rodgers averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt and was sacked twice. The Patriots held the Seattle Seahawks to just 200 yards passing in Week 1, although Sam Darnold was injured early and the Seahawks had to rely on Drew Lock at quarterback. The Patriots also boasted one of the NFL's best passing defenses in 2025. Rodgers is currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues and can likely stay on the waiver wire for Week 2 in most formats.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
CJ Abrams Scratched on Tuesday with Neck Tightness
Washington Nationals infielder CJ Abrams (neck) was scratched from his team's lineup on Tuesday due to neck tightness, per Mark Zuckerman of Nats Journal. It's not yet clear if Abrams will require a trip to the injured list or if he will be able to return to Washington's lineup within the next few days. Across 613 plate appearances this season, the 25-year-old is hitting .264/.339/.494 with 30 home runs, 96 RBI, 88 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases. While Abrams has had an excellent year overall, his production has fallen off of late. Across 155 plate appearances since the start of August, Abrams is hitting just .192 with two home runs and a 33.5% strikeout rate. In addition to his current neck issue, Abrams has also dealt with back tightness. If he misses time, Nationals infielder Jorbit Vivas would likely see an increase in at-bats.
Source: Nats Journal - Mark Zuckerman
Source: Nats Journal - Mark Zuckerman
Knicks Waive Igor Milicic
The New York Knicks have waived forward Igor Milicic, the team announced. The move comes days after he agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the defending champions. Westchester already holds his G League rights after a trade with Delaware, and Milicic can earn a bonus of up to roughly $91,000 if he spends at least 60 days with the affiliate. He averaged 6.9 points in 18.8 minutes across 45 games with the Blue Coats last season, shooting 40.2 percent from the field. The Polish forward posted 18 points and eight rebounds against Germany in World Cup qualifying last month, but he carries no fantasy value at the NBA level. The bigger fantasy question is how New York fills out its frontcourt after losing Mitchell Robinson to Boston, with Andre Drummond as the veteran reinforcement.
Source: NY Knicks PR
Source: NY Knicks PR
Liam Robbins Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Knicks
The New York Knicks have signed center Liam Robbins to an Exhibit 10 contract, the team announced. Robbins earned the camp look after a solid Las Vegas Summer League run, highlighted by 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks against Detroit. The 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year now joins New York's third-center competition behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, giving the Knicks another rim-protection option after Mitchell Robinson left for Boston. Robbins' NBA experience is thin, as he logged just 57 minutes across 13 games with Milwaukee in 2024-25. The Exhibit 10 structure leaves room for a two-way conversion, but Robbins will not have fantasy value unless he makes the roster and injuries thin out New York's frontcourt.
Source: NY Knicks PR
Source: NY Knicks PR
Cole Kmet is Earning Deep-League Value
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet didn't have a major role in the offense, but he was able to have success during the season opener. Kmet caught two of his three targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Carolina Panthers. Despite being behind Colston Loveland on the depth chart, Kmet made more of an impact than him on Sunday. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect that to happen weekly, but it's nice to see that Kmet is still getting involved in the offense. The Bears have two viable tight ends, so expect them to use them to their advantage. Kmet could be worth adding in deep leagues after a decent showing in the season opener.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
